Derrick Lewis ready to step in as UFC Columbus replacement after UFC 247 win

HOUSTON – Derrick Lewis beat Ilir Latifi with a unanimous decision Saturday to open up the main card at UFC 247 in Houston.

Take a look inside the fight with Lewis, who won for the second straight time to get back on track after back-to-back losses, including a heavyweight title setback to then-champ Daniel Cormier.

Result: Derrick Lewis def. Ilir Latifi via unanimous decision (29-28, 29-28, 29-28)
Updated records: Lewis (23-7 MMA, 14-5 UFC), Latifi (14-8 MMA, 7-6 UFC)
Key stat: Latifi won the total striking battle 62-27 and had three takedowns, but Lewis led in significant strikes 20-5.

Lewis on the fight’s key moment

“I knew it would be a close call, especially with the takedowns, but most of his shots I was blocking and I was controlling him. All he got were the takedowns. The flying knees just came from being in better shape.”

Lewis on fighting at home

“Fighting in Houston was almost nerve-racking, all the adrenaline. The crowd helped me push at the end. That was a good job from them. It really helped me out. I still have a lot to improve and there is a lot more in my arsenal that people haven’t seen yet.”

Lewis on what he wants next

“I’m healthy right now. There is nothing wrong with me, so I can come back in for a quick replacement for (Jairzinho) Rozenstruik vs. (Francis) Ngannou (at UFC Columbus) if needed. I’m ready whenever.”

To hear more from Lewis, check out the video of the full post-fight interview above.